Hole, course, or tournament style golf game

ABSTRACT

A golf game comprising one or more golf holes, each golf hole consisting of a plurality of positions, including “trouble positions”, from the tee position to the individual cup. Using chance means for the players determine the number of positions toward the cup they move or opting to “chip out” and advance only one position. The results of a toss (or chip out option) determine the advancement (or no advancement) of the golf ball along the fairway and towards the cup. The game provides for playing and/or wagering on a table or video display format, on the Internet, in a gaming room or in a casino. The game also provides for individual player play and multi-player play including a tournament style play.

CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefits of provisional application No. 60/359,670 filed Feb. 26, 2002

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a table or video golf game utilizing a chance means to advance the ball along a hole and finally into the cup. In the preferred embodiment the chance means is five six-sided dice. The concept is expanded to include one or multiple holes, players, wagering, tour events, payouts and other variables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the game of golf, and specifically relates to a golf game in which a player uses a chance means to obtain an advance along a hole.

[0004] Many games devised to simulate the experience of playing golf have been designed. One common feature of many of the prior art golf games is the employment of specially designed die to simulate the movement and/or locations of the golf ball. U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,774 (August, 1978) to Seguin utilizes die-like polyhedrons with custom markings and up to 50 faces. U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,065 (July, 1981) to White utilizes an elaborate cross-grid co-ordinate playing board and custom designed die to advance a golf ball to a hole. U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,460 (March, 1991) to Barbiaux et al. utilizes two ordinary die, one custom die, a set of cards, moveable hazards to simulate advance of a golf ball to a hole. U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,218 (August, 1993) to LaRocca utilizes a plurality of custom die representing drivers, woods, irons, wedges and a putter to advance a ball to a hole. U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,349 (May, 1995) to Canther employs a grid pattern board, playing cards, overlapping scenic settings, and standard die, custom weather die, in advancing a golf ball to a hole. U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,915 (March, 1999) to Koziol describes a golf game utilizing a plurality of custom die each representing a different set of numbers in determining a per hole and total score. U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,967 (April, 2000) to Murphy et al. describes a custom designed set of dice for use on various shots (drives, fairway, putts, etc.) to determine the advancement of the golf ball along the hole. U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,870 B1 (April, 2001) to Shea et al. describes a golf game utilizing custom dice with twelve sides utilized in determining a golf score on each hole.

[0005] Various other patents describe board or golf games, which do not utilize dice. U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,704 (June, 1990) to Mazer is an indoor golf game with a “carpet” for simulation of golf play. U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,192 (June, 1999) to West utilizes a grid playing surface and a plurality of cards that represent various type clubs in advancing a ball. U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,652 (August, 1998) to Nielsen describes a plurality of games utilizing domino playing cards. U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,725 (November, 1998) to Conway describes a tournament type board game utilizing standard die, chips, reference cards, brackets and rounds to advance a team to a final round resulting in one winning team.

[0006] The use of custom parts, complex rules and other complexities in game designs make it difficult for non-golf-skilled people to learn and master these games. Use of custom dice, complex grids on game boards and many rules tend to distract a player interest and thus tend to remove personal enjoyment. What is needed is a simple golf game, a golf game that will allow the possibility of a plurality of players, simple rules, potential wagering by players or observers, interactive tournament competition, and the ability to win somewhat based on pure chance. The present invention provides a solution to the aforementioned needs and more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The main aspect of the present invention is to provide an easy to play golf game based on use of standard six-sided dice or other similar chance means to determine the advancement of a golf ball from a tee to a cup on a plurality of golf holes along a course(s).

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for the possibility of individual player, multiple players, or tournament player types of competition.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for individual hole, 9-hole, 18-hole and/or tournament format.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for the possibility of a wide variety of playing formats, including, but not limited to, 3-Dimensional (or flat) tables, electronic controlled video monitor slot-type games, Internet casino tournaments, interactive, or individual play, all capable of displaying a variety of golf courses.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for the possibility of creating a unique golf course(s) made up of world famous or favorite holes.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for the possibility of gambling on the results, thereby allowing the player, other players, or observers to participate in betting on individual shots, individual holes or individual player total scores.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide the possibility for players to win a portion of a tournament payout dependent on entry fees and player position at the end of such a tournament.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is to use a well-known and recognizable method of gaming under a as the chance means.

[0015] Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

[0016] In one embodiment the present invention comprises one or more golf holes, each golf hole consisting of a plurality of positions, including “trouble positions”, from the tee position to the individual cup. A chance means occurs by a player tossing five die or opting to “chip out” and advance only one position. The results of a toss (or chip out option) determine the advancement (or no advancement) of the golf ball along the fairway and towards the cup. In one embodiment a player gets two tosses of the five die and can opt to “hold” one or more of the die prior to the second toss and re-toss the others, whereby the total of the five die determine the advancement of the golf ball. In an alternate embodiment a player's single toss determines advancement. In other alternate embodiments other chance means could be used to determine advancement, including, but not limited to: the use of other numbers or types of dice, the use of poker hands generated by a computer or using a standard deck of cards, black jack hands generated by a computer or using a standard deck of cards, slot machine type displays or other known methods of gambling suitable for use as a chance means.

[0017] The present invention provides for various personal choices (decisions) such as:

[0018] 1. Which of the five die to “hold” prior to a second toss of the die.

[0019] 2. Attempt to try for a straight flush or not.

[0020] 3. Chip out (automatic advance of one position) or roll die when in a “trouble position”.

[0021] 4. Lay-up into the cup (advance one when one position away from cup) or toss dice for bonus points.

[0022] 5. Post a score or replay another round when in a tournament.

[0023] 6. Wager or not wager (on oneself, others).

[0024] The present invention also provides for a game to include betting (or wagering) during the course of play. Wagering can be performed with various options:

[0025] 1. On the next shot (tossing of die).

[0026] 2. On oneself or another player.

[0027] 3. Wagering by other players or “observers”.

[0028] 4. On a player(s) for a best hole score.

[0029] 5. On a player(s) for a best 9-hole score.

[0030] 6. On a player(s) for a best 18-hole score.

[0031] 7. Other forms of wagering not described.

[0032] The present invention also provides for tiebreaker points to determine a winner when players end up in a tie.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention relates to a game of golf played with standard six-sided die or other known, easily recognized gambling methods. All of the drawings depict the game being played with five, six-sided dice. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to five, six-sided dice as the chance means. Any method of random or semi-random result generation that has a progression of increasingly unlikely (less likely to obtain) results will work as the chance means. The chance means must have a variety of possible results, with a number of increasingly unlikely results.

[0034] For example, with five six sided dice the most common result might be to roll two of a kind (two of any one number), then two pair, three of a kind, etc. In five card poker the most common result may be two of a kind, two pair, etc. The odds of what the most common results are well understood and are reflected the rules of many games of chance, poker, black jack, poker dice, etc., with the more difficult to obtain results being worth more in the game.

[0035] The chance means should be something that most or all of the likely players of the present invention understand the rules to and have a generally understanding of the odds of any given result of a “round” of the chance means. For example, most people understand that two of a kind is the most likely result either in poker dice played with five six-side dice or regular poker. In other areas of the world it may be desirable to use other, locally known, games as the chance means.

[0036] Many of the common games of chance have standardized rules which are well known. The one of the better know sets of these rules are the “Rules of Hoyle” which were originally written by Edmond Hoyle in the 1700's. Many books can be found on the rules of Hoyle. One of these is: Play According to Hoyle, Hoyle's Rules of Games, Edited by Albert H. Morehead and Geoffrey Mott-Smith, Second Revised Edition, Signet, 1983. These books contain the standard, generally accepted rules for a wide variety of games of chance, including poker dice, black jack, a variety of poker games and many others. It is often preferred in the gaming industry to use games which are played “according to Hoyle” since the odds and rules are all well understood. This can make getting a new game approved by various state regulatory agencies easier. Any appropriate game out of the “Rules of Hoyle” could be used as a chance means for the present invention. In addition, other games could be used in other areas of the world if they are the more familiar games to the potential players.

[0037] The chance means can be selected to make the difficultly of the golf game greater or smaller. For example, if seven dice are used, then the player will always roll at least two of a kind, but it would much more unlikely to roll seven of a kind (a hole in one as explained below).

[0038] Also, in a casino or gambling environment, it may be desired to choose a chance means that most people misjudge the odds of obtaining a favorable result. For example, it is well understood in the gaming industry that most people do not really understand their odds of winning at the slot machines or at roulette. This is how the casinos make money. In a format where non-player's can bet on the results, it may be desirable to use one of these chance means to increase the casinos take on any given game of golf.

[0039] The game can be played on a table format or electronically, with a video display, or on the Internet. The present invention provides for play on an individual basis, head-to-head play with a plurality of players, and for person(s) not actively playing to wager in various ways. The game can be played in a gaming room, at home, or in a casino format.

[0040] A video or Internet game could display some combination of: the hole, player advancement position on the given hole, wager amount, option to lay-up or hit shot, option to roll dice and/or hold a selected amount of the die, and trouble options. The aforementioned options will be described in more detail below. The goal of the game is to advance a golf ball from a starting tee position, down a fairway and into a cup with the lowest possible score. A further option of the game is to allow for a plurality of golf holes with the goal of a player attaining the lowest possible accumulative score. The present invention lends itself to all of the excitement of competitive golf.

[0041] In the discussion below the use of five dice, six sided dice as the chance means is described. It is to be understood that more or less dice could be used if so desired. In addition, it would be possible to use other methods of random result generation as the chance means to determine the player advancement. A use of the chance means will be referred to as a “roll” for the sake of simplicity. It is to be understood that a roll could be a game of cards or a turn on a standard set of slot machine wheels or any other suitable chance means. The individual parts of the chance means is referred to as a result means, i.e. a die, an individual card, a wheel on a slot machine, etc. The major constraints on picking the method to determine the advancement of the players, the chance means, is that it be reasonably well known to the planned players. This enables the players and any audience to determine the odds, at least roughly, of any given outcome, allowing for easy wagering.

[0042] Preferred Rules of the Game for a Select Hole:

[0043] 1. Holes are made up as in regulation golf consisting of par three, four, and par five holes. Each hole has predetermined advancement positions from the tee position to the cup.

[0044] 2. The game may consist of one, nine, or eighteen golf holes, or other numbers if desired. Holes can be images from, or replicas of, actual holes from established golf courses, created images of “standard holes” or fantasy holes with themes. One example of a fantasy course would be a hole at a famous location such as the White House lawn, the gardens of Versailles, etc. A multiple hole course can, in turn, comprise an entire famous course, a custom golf course consisting of individual holes replicated from different existing courses, or an entirely made up course or some combination.

[0045] 3. A player starts at the “tee” position on any given hole.

[0046] 4. Determination of which player shoots (or rolls) first can be done by a variety of methods. For example, all players drawing a number and the playing in an order according to the number drawn; or by all players shooting the total count of the five dice thrown (would it be better to say “all players rolling one or more of the dice, with the highest point total going first, second next and so forth. Another method if the game is being played on computer would be for the computer to randomly choose player order using a prior art random number generator. If more than one hole is to be played, then a player's shooting position on a next tee is can be determined as in standard rules of golf (winner of last hole), remain the same though out the game or be randomly determined each round. Also, shots along a fairway can be determined by standard golf rules (furthest from hole goes first) or other method.

[0047] 5. On an individual “player turn” (PT), the player can elect to use the chance means (roll) or the player can elect to “lay-up”. A lay-up election will advance one position along the fairway (or towards a cup) without using the chance means.

[0048] 6. On an individual PT, if a player elects to use the chance means, one “roll” is performed. A player can then elect to “hold” any or all die and re-toss die not “held”. If cards are being uses as the chance means then the player would receive new cards from the remaining deck, as in poker, blackjack or other known card games.

[0049] 7. Advancements along a hole (or fairway) are determined by the following rules for five dice after a player has completed a PT (chip out or one or two tosses) If other chance means are being used, then the results would have similar odds to the rules list below:

[0050] a. Lay-up—advance one position.

[0051] b. No pair—

[0052] i. If putting on a green—a player takes four additional putts from the present position, ie if the play is one position away from the cup and roles no pair, the ball is moved into the cup, but the player is counted as having taken four moves to get there, adding four point to their score for the round.

[0053] ii. If hitting from the tee, fairway, or trouble position it is a “one-stroke” penalty, the ball remains in the present position and the player reloads (takes another PT) and has incurred a one penalty stroke.

[0054] c. One pair—advance one position with but have that advanced position be a “trouble” position if hitting from other than the green. A trouble position can be shown, for example, on a video display as a “red blinking” position just off the fairway. On table play, the players advance marker could be placed parallel to the fairway location, but off the fairway. Off fairway positions could consist showing (or placing) a player position behind a tree, in tall grass, in or behind a bush etc.

[0055] d. Two pair—advance two positions.

[0056] e. Three of a kind—advance three positions.

[0057] f. Full House (three of one, two of another)—advance four positions.

[0058] g. Straight flush (one thru five, or two through six)—advance five positions.

[0059] h. Four of a kind—advance six positions.

[0060] i. Five of a kind—advance seven positions.

[0061] j. Hole-in-one—Five of a kind on the first toss of a PT resulting in advancing into the cup. Hole layout can be set-up such that it is possible to have a hole-in-one on all par three holes and (if desired) some par four holes. If five of a kind results in two tosses of die on a PT from a tee position of a par three hole (or on selected par four holes where seven advances are needed to hole out), then a player scores a two on that hole. An easier version of the game would be to have the player scoring a hole in one even when the make five of a kind on two passes.

[0062] 8. “Trouble” Position Options—if a player is in a “trouble” position as described above the player has the following options:

[0063] a. Lay-up—advance one position without rolling the dice; or

[0064] b. Attempt a “risk” shot. This option is called a “risk” shot because the shot must result in at least three of a kind (or better) to advance forward and out of the “trouble position”. If three of a kind (or better) is not tossed, the player takes a stroke, remains in a “trouble” position and takes another turn (reloads).

[0065] 9. Scoring of a hole is completed when a player advances the ball from the tee position into the cup position.

[0066] It should be noted that while rules of play for one embodiment have been described above, changes or modifications to stated can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0067] Rules for Determining Winner for Hole, Course or Tournament Play

[0068] 1. Rules are much like the rules of golf. In individual hole play the player with lowest score wins. In 9-Hole, 18-Hole, or Tournament play, the player with lowest cumulative score wins.

[0069] 2. Accumulated bonus points gathered by individual players during the course of play determine tiebreaker winners. A player on the final roll into any given cup can create bonus points. If a player, for example, is two positions of advancement from the cup then the player needs to roll the die to advance at least two positions to complete the given hole. If the roll of the die resulted in greater than a two-position advancement, then the excess advancement would result in “bonus points”. For example a roll of four advances on a PT when only two advances are needed to complete a given hole result in two excess advances and thus two bonus points are accumulated. The player with the greatest amount of “bonus points” would determine the winner in tiebreakers. If two or more players were to end in a tie and all had an equal amount of bonus points, then they could “share” the winnings or a winner could be determined by a sudden death playoff, such as done in the actual game of golf.

[0070] Wagering

[0071] The present invention also provides for wagering options. All options would include individual odds based on the chances of the outcome of the selected option. Wagering can occur in various ways:

[0072] 1. On an individual PT:

[0073] Players or observers could choose to place bets on any or all players individual PTs by selecting various options, with odds, as to the outcome of the PT. For example, place a bet that the player will roll a “full house” during one PT. If a “full house” were rolled, the person who placed the bet would win according to the odds posted. Other options for individual rolls might be set up to allow a betting individual to wager that the outcome of a PT will be “X” or better (for example, a “full house” or better).

[0074] 2. On a 9-Hole, 18-Hole, or tournament result:

[0075] Wagering could be set up such that bets can be placed on individual player outcomes for the entire round of golf, where a round is pre-defined as, for example, the results of an individual 9-Hole play, 18-Hole play, or tournament play.

[0076] Entrance Fee, Tournament Set-Up Options

[0077] Another potential option of the present invention is to allow for players to enter tournaments. Associated players entering a tournament would be charged entrance fees associated with all tournaments. Tournaments can be run in various formats including, but not limited to:

[0078] 1. Local on-site 9-hole, 18-hole tournaments;

[0079] 2. Local multi-day tournaments; and

[0080] 3. Internet 9-hole, 18-hole, or multi-day tournaments.

[0081] Payouts for tournament play would be proportional to the total of the entrance fees collected and can be paid out to a proportional amount of winners at varying rates. Tournament directors have the ability to pre-determine the percentage of the field to be paid and the winnings by individual finish positions. For example, if a large tournament consisted of 3000 players, tournament directs could elect to pay one-third of the entry field, thus 1000 players could share the total payout “purse”. Leader boards could be posted to show individual standings as the tournament progresses. Use of modern Internet technology can easily expand tournaments to a worldwide venue.

[0082] Casino Options

[0083] The golf game of the present invention can be set up in casino or gaming halls. Video slot machines would provide for individual “gaming” whereby coins played and outcomes would be set up to the aforementioned rules and could be set up for individual hole play, or tournament formats.

[0084] Another option of casino or gaming halls is to provide a table game controlled by an individual or “marshal” who would oversee the table, collect and payoff wagering, keep individual scores for hole and/or multi-hole play, etc. A “leader board” such as seen in PGA (Professional Golf Association) tournaments could also be posted in the betting area. The table game would provide the course layout, betting areas for wagering and associated odds.

[0085] Testing Results

[0086] The game of the present invention has been played with a 9-hole format approximately 250 times amongst 25 different players. Initial results (all approximate) are summarized as follows:

[0087] a) Approximately 5000 rolls

[0088] b) Average roll is 2 pair

[0089] c) Five of a kind has been rolled approximately 3-4% of the time and has not been rolled on a par 3 hole.

[0090] d) Average par for 9-holes was 35 with a range of 27 to 45.

[0091] e) “No” pair (lowest possible outcome) has been rolled only twice on an individual hole, and only twice in a 9-hole play.

[0092] f) A privately conducted market test was performed with a sample size of 350 individuals consisting of 70% men and 30% women with results revealing that 28% were golfers and were golf “savvy”.

[0093] Thus, while only several embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is obvious that many changes and/or modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094]FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a typical par three hole showing advance positions from the tee to the cup.

[0095]FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a typical par four hole showing advance positions from the tee to the cup.

[0096]FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a typical par five hole showing advance positions from the tee to the cup.

[0097]FIGS. 4a, 4 b, 4 c, are schematic drawings showing one possible result, on the par three hole shown in FIG. 1, of a player advancing from the tee to the cup.

[0098]FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 5 c, are schematic drawings showing yet another possible result, on the par three hole shown in FIG. 1.

[0099]FIG. 6a is a schematic drawing showing a possible 1^(st) PT result with a corresponding wagering result.

[0100]FIG. 6b is a yet another schematic drawing showing a possible 3^(rd) PT result with a corresponding wagering result.

[0101]FIGS. 7a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, are schematic drawings showing one possible result, on the par five hole shown in FIG. 3, of a player advancing from the tee to the cup.

[0102]FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of one possible layout of a game board betting area.

[0103]FIG. 9 is a schematic of an example of a six-player scoreboard.

[0104]FIG. 9a is a schematic of an example of a portion of a tournament style scoreboard.

[0105]FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of one possible layout of a gaming table.

[0106]FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of one possible layout of a video game monitor.

[0107]FIG. 11a is similar to FIG. 11 but extended to show a video screen with a plurality of scores of other players.

[0108]FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a video screen depicting a betting display format.

[0109] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0110]FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a typical par three hole 100 showing seven advance positions from tee position 10 to cup 17. Starting a PT at tee position 10, the following are various scenario results for the “first” PT using five, six sided dice:

[0111] a) No pair—1 penalty stroke, no advance, repeat individual PT.

[0112] b) One pair—advance 1 increment to position 11 but in enter into “trouble” as previously described.

[0113] c) Two pair—advance 2 increments to position 12.

[0114] d) Three of a kind—advance 3 increments to position 13.

[0115] e) Full house—advance 4 increments to position 14, which is on the green with a remaining long putt to cup 17.

[0116] f) Straight Flush—advance 5 increments to position 15, which is on the green with a remaining medium putt to cup 17.

[0117] g) Four of a kind—advance 6 increments to position 16, which is on the green with a remaining short putt to cup 17.

[0118] h) Five of a kind on first toss of the five die—a hole in one with advancement directly into cup 17.

[0119] i) Five of a kind on the combined first and second toss—advancement into cup 17 but with a score of two on the hole.

[0120]FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a typical par four hole 200 showing advance positions from tee 20 to cup 28. Starting a PT at tee position 20, the following are various scenario results for the “first” PT using five, six sided dice:

[0121] a) No pair—1 penalty stroke, no advance, repeat individual PT.

[0122] b) One pair—advance 1 increment to position 21 but in enter into “trouble” as previously described.

[0123] c) Two pair—advance 2 increments to position 22.

[0124] d) Three of a kind—advance 3 increments to position 23.

[0125] e) Full house—advance 4 increments to position 24.

[0126] f) Straight Flush—advance 5 increments to position 25.

[0127] g) Four of a kind—advance 6 increments to position 26.

[0128] j) Five of a kind on first or second toss of the five die—advance 7 increments to position 27 on the green.

[0129]FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a typical par five hole 300 showing advance positions from tee 301 to the cup 312. Starting a PT at tee position 301, the following are various scenario results for the “first” PT:

[0130] a) No pair—1 penalty stroke, no advance, repeat individual PT.

[0131] b) One pair—advance 1 increment to position 302 but in enter into “trouble” as previously described.

[0132] c) Two pair—advance 2 increments to position 303.

[0133] d) Three of a kind—advance 3 increments to position 304.

[0134] e) Full house—advance 4 increments to position 305.

[0135] f) Straight Flush—advance 5 increments to position 306.

[0136] g) Four of a kind—advance 6 increments to position 307.

[0137] h) Five of a kind on first or second toss of the five die—advance 7 increments to position 308 just off the green.

[0138] From position 308 (just off the green), there are three increments positions 309, 310, 311 prior to cup 312.

[0139]FIGS. 4a, 4 b, 4 c, are schematic drawings showing one possible result, on par three hole 100 (shown in FIG. 1), of a player advancing from tee 10 to cup 17. Also shown are the results of the dice 400, 401, 402, after the individual PTs. The scenario proceeds as follows:

[0140] a) First PT (FIG. 4a)—PT resulting in three of a kind 400, player advances 3 increments from tee position 10 to position 13. Player hole score is “1” after 1^(st) PT.

[0141] b) Second PT (FIG. 4b)—PT resulting in two pair 401, player advances 2 increments from position 13 to position 15, which is on the green. Player hole score is “2” after 2^(nd) PT.

[0142] c) Third PT (FIG. 4c)—PT resulting in two pair 402, player advances 2 increments from position 15 into cup 17. Player hole score is “3” after 3^(rd) and final PT.

[0143] d) “Zero” bonus points on hole.

[0144]FIGS. 5a, 5 b, 5 c, are schematic drawings showing yet another possible result, on par three hole 100.

[0145] a) First PT (FIG. 5a)—PT resulting in one pair 500, player advances from tee position 10 to “trouble” position 11. Player hole score is “1” after 1^(st) PT.

[0146] b) Second PT (FIG. 5b)—PT resulting in player opting to “chip out”, option “1” 501. Player advances 1 increment from trouble position 11 to position 12. Player hole score is “2” after 2^(nd) PT.

[0147] c) Third PT (FIG. 5c)—PT results in four of a kind 502. Player advances 5 increments from position 12 into cup 17, and accumulates 1 additional bonus point. Final Player hole score is “3” after 3^(rd) PT.

[0148]FIG. 6a is a schematic drawing showing a 1^(st) PT result with a corresponding wagering result when playing 1^(st) PT on par three hole 100. The scenario proceeds as follows:

[0149] a) A wager of $10 603 is placed on gaming table 601, at “1 Pair” location 602.

[0150] b) Player proceeds with 1^(st) PT resulting in one pair 600.

[0151] c) Player advances 1 increment from tee 10 to trouble position 11.

[0152] d) The wager payoff of $100 604 is given based on the 10:1 odds shown at “1 Pair” location 602.

[0153]FIG. 6b is a yet another schematic drawing showing a possible 3^(rd) PT result with a corresponding wagering when playing par three hole 100. The scenario proceeds as follows:

[0154] a) A wager of $1 612 is placed on gaming table 601, at “4 of Kind” location 611.

[0155] b) Player proceeds with 3^(rd) PT resulting in four of a kind 610, which provides 6 advance increments.

[0156] c) Player advances 5 increments from fairway position 12 into cup 17.

[0157] d) Player receives “1” bonus point as he only required 5 of the 6 increments to finish the hole.

[0158] e) The wager payoff of $20 613 is given based on the 20:1 odds shown at “4 of Kind” location 611.

[0159]FIGS. 7a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, are schematic drawings showing one possible result, on par five hole 300 shown in FIG. 3, of a player advancing from tee 301 into cup 312. The scenario proceeds as follows:

[0160] a) First PT (FIG. 7a)—PT resulting in two pair 700, player advances 2 increments from tee position 301 to position 303. Player hole score is “1” after 1^(st) PT.

[0161] b) Second PT (FIG. 7b)—PT resulting in two pair 701, player advances 2 increments down fairway from position 303 to position 305. Player hole score is “2” after 2^(nd) PT.

[0162] c) Third PT (FIG. 7c)—PT resulting in three of a kind 702, player advances 3 increments down the fairway from position 305 to position 308. Player hole score is “3” after 3^(rd) PT.

[0163] d) Fourth PT (FIG. 7d)—PT resulting in a full house 703, player advances 4 increments from fairway position 308 into cup 312. No bonus points are given. Final player hole score is a “4”.

[0164]FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of one possible layout of a game board betting area 800. Betting PT area 801 would allow a better to wager on a PT and betting area 800 shows the bet odds. For example, “4 of Kind” area 803 has 20-1 odds. Betting player area 802 allows for betting on up to six players (Player 1 thru player 6) for betting on 1-Hole, 9-Hole, 18-hole “best player” outcome. Betting player area 802 also allows bets on individual players “bonus points”. It should be noted that the betting area 800 represents an embodiment of the present invention and many other table betting layout combinations are possible. For example, another embodiment might include a bet such as “4 of Kind or better”. Also note that betting area 800 shown has no bet position for “two pair” and thus, any PT resulting in “two pair” results in all bets loosing (i.e. house wins).

[0165] The betting odds could be set, for example, such that a player had to “break par” in order to win any money, would break even if the made par and would lose money if they went over par. This could be done of individual holes or the course as a whole or both.

[0166] The exact format and payouts of betting will be determined by the operator of the game in order to provide the desired payout to the players, the house, and other betters, as desired. The methods of selecting such betting formats and payouts are well understood in the gaming industry, and are not considered part of the present invention. Therefore, these methods will not be discussed in greater detail.

[0167]FIG. 9 is a schematic of an example of a six-player scoreboard 901. The scoreboard is laid out similar to a normal PGA golf course scorecard. A player name column C1 is shown to have up to six player names. Hole numbers are shown through 18 holes. Par for each of the 18 holes is shown and the actual hole score would be placed under each hole number and in parallel with a player name. The total “out”, or 1^(st) 9-hole accumulative score for each player is listed in column C2. The total “in” or 2^(nd) 9-hole accumulative score is shown in column C3. The total 18-hole score is shown in column C4. It should be noted that although a six player score card is shown, other embodiments could reflect more, or less, number of players. Scoreboard 901 would be posted on (or near) a game table or on a video display. Bonus points accumulated for each player could be displayed in column C5.

[0168]FIG. 9a is a schematic of an example of a portion of a tournament style scoreboard 902 similar to a PGA leader board. Column CC1 displays player names, column CC2 displays player relative lead positions, column CC3 displays the last hole a given player has completed, and column CC4 gives the players status relative to par, and column CC5 displays the respective players bonus point standing. In the example of FIG. 9a, the first row R1 displays that Pete N. is in 1^(st) place, has completed 17 holes, is 8 under par and has accumulated 4 bonus points. The sixth row R6, displays that Joe S. is in 6^(th) place, has completed 16 holes, is 2 under par and has accumulated 6 bonus points.

[0169] Tournament player scores could be posted on a large electronic board and either could show individual hole scores, as does scoreboard 901, or could show individual player relative scores as does scoreboard 902.

[0170]FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of one possible layout of a gaming table showing gaming table 1000. Interior region 900 is the area that would show the golf course. The area could be a full 18-hole course or could be a 9-hole course. If interior region 900 were, for example, a 9-hole course, a full 18-holes of play could be accomplished by playing two 9-hole rounds. Gaming table 1000 shows six player seating positions 1,2,3,4,5,6. Each of these positions would seat one player. Game board betting area 800 (see FIG. 8) would be laid out in front of each respective player for wagering purposes. A marshal, as previously discussed, who would preside in marshal area 850, would control the table. Scorecard 901 is shown in front of marshal area 850 for posting and tracking player scores. Other potential betting areas 860 could be setup around gaming table 1000 to allow wagering by other non-players.

[0171]FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of one possible layout of a video game monitor. Video game monitor 1100 could easily be installed in gaming halls, casinos, electronic home video games, Internet based games, etc. Video game monitor 1100 shows hole area 50 which would change to display the individual hole being played. Player position from the tee to the cup would be displayed in hole area 50. If a player were in a trouble position, a red position flashing could occur on the fairway, along with trouble light 53 flashing. The player would have options at each PT to:

[0172] a) Wager a bet using bet input 57, the display would then display the total bet on display bet area 58.

[0173] b) Elect to choose lay-up input 51 or hit shot 52.

[0174] c) Roll the five die via roll input 56.

[0175] d) The result of 1^(st) roll would be shown in die display area 59. Holding of select die would be via die hold area 65 which would allow holding any or all die after the 1^(st) roll.

[0176] e) If not all die were held, roll input 56 would toss the non-held die on the 2^(nd) role.

[0177] f) If a player were in a “trouble” position, trouble light 53 would flash and a player could select chip-out option 54 or select hit option 55 as previously described.

[0178] g) The present hole being played would light up in hole-row 60, par for each hole would display in par-row 61 and active player score would display in score-row 62 with the accumulative score tallied in the last column.

[0179]FIG. 11a is similar to FIG. 11 but extended to show video screen 1101 with a plurality of scores of other players. Row 63 displays the score of competing player P2, and row 64 displays the score of competing player P3. Video screen 1101 can easily be extended to show a plurality of players depending on a preferred design. The processor driving video screen 1101 could be easily linked to other computers in a gaming room, over the Internet, or home computers for head-to-head competition. A leader board video screen, similar to FIG. 9a, could also be displayed for video tournament play.

[0180] It should be noted that other 18-hole or multi-player displays could easily be designed using the concepts of the present invention.

[0181]FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of video screen 1200 depicting a betting display format. Video screen 1200 is similar to the game board betting area as previously shown in FIG. 8. A person placing a wager can select a player on which to place a wager. The person can select which option to bet and the money to bet. Options (as previously described) are inputted along with the respective bet. Option “odds” are displayed on the screen for win payoffs if desired. It should be noted that FIG. 12 is one option of a betting screen and that other display layouts could easily be designed using the concepts of the present invention.

[0182] Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

I claim:
 1. A method of playing a game for one or more players simulating one or more holes of a golf course, said method comprising the steps of: 1) selecting one or more players; 2) choosing a number of golf holes each having a graphic illustration to be played by the one or more players during the course of the game and the order in which the golf holes will be played; 3) selecting a golf hole having a tee position, a fairway, a green and a predetermined number of advancement positions from the tee position to a cup; 4) choosing a par level for the golf hole to determine the number of advancement positions; 5) repeating steps 3 and 4 for each of the number of golf holes to be played by one or more players; 6) choosing a chance means comprising at least one result means, said chance means having a given number of increasingly improbable possible results when used and being selected from chance means known to some of all of the players; 7) selecting each of the possible results of the chance means to correspond with a given number of advancement positions the player will move if the player gets the selected possible result, the given number being between 0 and X; 8) determining the order the players will play in, if there is more than one player; 9) having a current player start at the tee position on the current golf hole; 10) said current player choosing to either automatically move one advancement position towards the cup or use the chance means to determine the number of advancement positions towards the cup the player will move; 11) the current player moving toward the cup the number of advancement positions determined; 12) if there is more than one player, a next player performing steps 9 through 11; 13) each of the one or more players repeating steps 9-11 until all of the players have progressed through the advancement positions and reached the cup; 14) scoring each of the one or more players based upon the number of times each had to repeat steps 8-10, a lower number being a better score; and 15) if necessary, repeating starting at step 7 for each hole selected.
 2. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: the current player being able to select some or all of the result means of the chance means to use again after step 10 to try and improve the given result.
 3. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the results means is a six sided die, and there are at least two results means.
 4. The method of playing the golf game of claim 3, wherein there are five six sided dice.
 5. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the chance means is a hand of poker.
 6. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the results means are slot machine dials.
 7. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the golf holes are selected from actual golf holes in real life golf courses.
 8. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the golf holes are selected from actual, non-golf course locations.
 9. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: allowing the one or more players or viewers to wager on one or more of the group selected from: the result of an individual use of the chance means, the winner of a given hole, the winner of the game, a specific result of the chance means occurring or one of several specific results.
 10. The method of playing the golf game of claim 1, wherein the golf hole further comprises at least one trouble position which the current player can land on after a given result on the chance means.
 11. The method of playing a golf game of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: the results of the chance means being selected to correspond with the number of advancement positions such that the least probable result allows a player to move the largest number of advancement positions, X, the next least probable result allows a player to move X-1 advancement positions continuing until the most common result of the chance means allows the current player to move one position.
 12. The method of playing the golf game of claim 4, wherein the results of using the five six sided dice allow the current player to move as follows: a) no pair equals no advance of position b) one pair equals advance of one position; c) two pair equals advance of two positions; d) three of a kind equals advance of three positions; e) full house equals advance of four positions; f) straight flush equals advance of five positions; g) four of a kind equals advance of six positions; and h) five of a kind equals advance of seven positions.
 13. A method of playing a game for one or more players simulating one or more holes of a golf course in a gaming machine, said method comprising the steps of: 1) choosing a number of golf holes to be played by the one or more players during the course of the game and the order in which the golf holes will be played; 2) selecting a golf hole having a tee position, a fairway, a green and a predetermined number of advancement positions from the tee position to a cup; 3) choosing a par level for the golf hole to determine the number of advancement positions; 4) repeating steps 3 and 4 for each of the number of golf holes to be played by one or more players; 5) choosing a chance means comprising at least one result means, said chance means having a given number of increasingly improbable possible results when used and being selected from chance means known to some of all of the players; 6) selecting each of the possible results of the chance means to correspond with a given number of advancement positions the player will move if the player gets the selected possible result, the given number being between 0 and X; 7) displaying the golf hole to be played; 8) displaying the chance means; 9) determining the order the players will play in, if there is more than one player; 10) having a current player start at the tee position on the current golf hole; 11) said current player choosing to either automatically move one advancement position towards the cup or use the chance means to determine the number of advancement positions towards the cup the player will move; 12) the current player moving toward the cup the number of advancement positions determined; 13) if there is more than one player, a next player performing steps 10 through 12; 14) each of the one or more players repeating steps 10-12 until all of the players have progressed through the advancement positions and reached the cup; 15) scoring each of the one or more players based upon the number of times each had to repeat steps 9-11, a lower number being a better score; 16) if necessary, repeating starting at step 7 for each hole selected; and 17) determining the winner based upon the lowest total score for all of the golf holes played. 